MEWA and NCVC launch National Afforestation Season in Riyadh

The initiative marks a new phase in ongoing environmental protection efforts, which have already led to the planting of over 95 million trees across the country through collaborations between public and private sectors. (SPA)
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Updated 01 November 2024
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MEWA and NCVC launch National Afforestation Season in Riyadh

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, along with the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, launched the National Afforestation Season for this year on Thursday in Riyadh under the title: “We Plant for Our Future.”

Khalid Al-Abdulqader, CEO of the NCVC, expressed his commitment to raising awareness about the significance of afforestation. He emphasized the need to support efforts to enhance vegetation cover and mitigate land degradation.

Through this season, the CEO aims to promote environmental sustainability and encourage the cultivation of local plants to improve the biodiversity and sustainable ecosystems in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia is taking further steps toward achieving the ultimate goal of the Saudi Green Initiative, SGI, which is to plant 10 billion trees and rehabilitate 40 million hectares.

However, it requires strengthening partnerships with multiple sectors including the public and private sectors, and promoting volunteering among the society to achieve sustainable development goals.

The planting season also seeks to increase “tree planting” culture in Saudi Arabia, improve vegetation cover, and reduce land degradation by growing more local plants.

This initiative marks a new phase in environmental protection efforts, which have already led to the planting of more than 95 million trees across the country through collaborations between public and private sectors.

Previous partnerships have successfully rehabilitated 118,000 hectares of land and protected more than 4.3 million hectares, while this year, the target is to contribute to the SGI’s goal of planting 10 billion trees.

The Kingdom has been encouraging afforestation recently to tackle several environmental issues such as the rapidly changing climate, through lowering regional temperatures and controlling the severity of drought.

Saudi Arabia called on the world’s policymakers last month to urgently address land destruction and drought, especially since the country will be hosting the 16th UN Convention to Combat Desertification COP16 in Riyadh in December.


Saudi Arabia’s standout iftar and sahoor destinations for Ramadan 2026

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Saudi Arabia’s standout iftar and sahoor destinations for Ramadan 2026

  • The vibrant environment makes it particularly suited for group gatherings and family celebrations

As Ramadan approaches, Saudi Arabia’s hospitality scene is once again preparing to welcome residents and visitors with curated iftar and sahoor experiences.

From luxury waterfront dining to heritage-inspired Ramadan tents, the Kingdom offers a rich selection of venues that celebrate the season.

Maritime at the Edition Hotel

Located along Jeddah’s coastline, Maritime offers a waterfront Ramadan experience with iftar beginning at sunset, featuring live cooking stations and evening entertainment.

The offering focuses on bringing guests together through interactive culinary presentations and communal dining. Iftar is priced at SR450 ($120) per person.

For late-night gatherings, Maritime sahoor presents a relaxed setting centered on flavor and conversation. Sahoor is priced at SR250 per person.

Meanwhile, open-air venue The Roof hosts a dedicated sahoor experience with a curated menu served under the night sky.

With its elevated views and casual atmosphere, it provides a contemporary Ramadan setting with a minimum spend of SR150.

Shangri-La Jeddah

Situated on Jeddah’s northern waterfront, Shangri-La Jeddah presents multiple Ramadan dining concepts that combine refined hospitality with regional flavors.

ALFOLK offers a sophisticated setting inspired by Red Sea aesthetics with a sailing interior theme for both intimate gatherings and large events, accommodating groups ranging from 50 to 500 guests.

Niyyali is another venue where guests can enjoy Lebanese cuisine in a serene sea-facing setting.

Iftar lasts from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the Ramadan set menu priced at SR388 net per person.

Sahoor runs from 11:30 p.m. to 3 a.m., with the Ramadan set menu priced at SR288 per person.

For those seeking variety, The Waterfront Kitchen hosts a festive buffet featuring both traditional Ramadan dishes and contemporary international selections.

The vibrant environment makes it particularly suited for group gatherings and family celebrations.

Iftar buffet runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., priced at SR388 per person.

Meanwhile, Kaia offers a refined sahoor experience enhanced by live oud performances and views overlooking the Shangri-La tower, pool and Red Sea.

The venue’s a la carte Ramadan menu allows guests to tailor their late-night meals while enjoying a tranquil seaside atmosphere.

Sahoor runs from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., with a minimum spend of SR180.

Al Mirkaz

Al Mirkaz, widely recognized as one of Jeddah’s most iconic Ramadan tents, returns for its seventh season in 2026.

The venue has become synonymous with large-scale luxury Ramadan hospitality inspired by Hijazi heritage and the traditions of Historic Jeddah.

Reservations opened on Feb. 10, 2026, with dining experiences beginning at Maghrib prayer.

Iftar and sahoor buffet: SR560 per person.

Yaza

Located on Prince Sultan Road in Al-Salamah, Yaza brings a modern interpretation of Saudi and international cuisine to the Ramadan table.

The restaurant gained notable recognition after receiving the Michelin Service Award in partnership with RAK Porcelain.

For Ramadan, Yaza offers a buffet featuring Saudi fusion dishes and international flavors, designed to appeal to diverse palates while maintaining local culinary identity. The experience is priced at SR235 per person.

Meez

Located in the Al-Salamah district, Meez offers a Middle Eastern-inspired dining experience centered around a generous set menu designed for traditional Ramadan sharing.

Options include Indian-style crispy chicken with saffron rice, shawarma with parsley rice, cheese-baked spicy pasta, or shish barak in yoghurt sauce.

The iftar set menu is priced at SR178 per adult. Children under 6 dine free, while children over 6 have menus priced at SR85. Guest reception begins at 5:30 p.m.

Zuma Jeddah 

Zuma Jeddah introduces a unique Ramadan concept by blending Japanese culinary artistry with traditional iftar customs. The restaurant is known for its contemporary approach to Japanese dining and social sharing menus.

Guests begin their experience with Arabic coffee, dates and water, followed by two curated iftar menu options served family-style.

The premium Iftar Tokubetsu Menu highlights Zuma’s signature dishes alongside exclusive Ramadan creations at a cost of SR275 per person.

The lighter Iftar Osusume Menu offers a selection of Zuma favorites such as beef gyoza, shrimp tempura, spicy chicken maki, and main dishes including salmon teriyaki and roasted baby chicken at a cost of SR185 per person.

Rosewood Jeddah

Located along Jeddah’s Corniche, Rosewood Jeddah presents a number of Ramadan offerings inspired by the historic Al-Balad district, blending heritage aesthetics with modern sophistication.

Iftar at Bab Al-Balad

The Rosewood’s Bab Al-Balad offers a Hijazi-themed iftar buffet that recreates the charm of old Jeddah through mashrabiya-inspired decor and vibrant traditional design elements. The menu highlights authentic Hijazi dishes paired with nostalgic Ramadan beverages, including sobia, jallab, tamar hindi and laban.

Before Founding Day on Feb. 22, regular iftar is priced at SR299, and VIP iftar is priced at SR399, excluding VAT.

After Founding Day, prices return to the normal range with SR400 for buffet and SR500 for VIP seated service.

Sahoor at Soleil Rooftop

For sahoor, Rosewood transforms its Soleil Rooftop into a social Ramadan lounge overlooking the Red Sea and Jeddah skyline.

The hybrid dining concept combines buffet starters and desserts with live cooking stations for hot dishes. Guests can also enjoy shisha and live oud or qanun performances nightly from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Sahoor ranges from SR260 to SR300.

Al-Thuraya Ramadan Tent, Fairmont Riyadh

Set within the Fairmont’s ballroom and extended into an outdoor tent, guests can explore the Ramadan Bazaar showcasing handcrafted jewelry, perfumes, and traditional garments, making it a cultural as well as culinary destination.

Iftar price: SR495

Chef’s Table Iftar at Al-Thuraya, Fairmont Riyadh

For a more intimate and elevated experience, the Chef’s Table at Al-Thuraya offers a curated iftar crafted by Michelin-starred Chef Nicolas Isnard.

Limited to 50 guests per evening, the menu blends refined international techniques with regional flavors, appealing to diners seeking a gastronomic interpretation of Ramadan evenings.

Price: SR595

Cafe Connect Terrace, Fairmont Riyadh

Designed for late-night gatherings, Cafe Connect Terrace offers a serene sahoor experience under the open sky.

A curated menu of traditional dishes prepares guests for the day of fasting ahead, followed by aromatic hubbly bubbly in a relaxed outdoor setting.

Sahoor price: SR175

Beast House, JAX District

Beast House offers a distinctly different way to experience Ramadan, transforming into a living Saudi majlis shaped by creativity and community.

Known as a hub for music lovers and cultural tastemakers, the space centers evenings around shared iftars featuring nostalgic Saudi flavors.

Beyond dining, guests can take part in poetry readings, film screenings, workshops and community gatherings.

Iftar price: SR180

Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre — Ramadan tent and experiences

Under the theme Hikayat Ramadan, Four Seasons Riyadh reimagines the holy month through storytelling, design, and elevated hospitality.

The newly redesigned Ramadan Tent and oriental-inspired Majlis feature live oud music, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a refined iftar experience.

A signature Ramadan cake inspired by local ingredients anchors the culinary offering, while dedicated children’s areas ensure an inclusive environment.

Iftar price: SR592

Private lounge experience: SR805

Cafe Boulud, Four Seasons Riyadh

For smaller, more intimate gatherings, Cafe Boulud offers a French-inspired iftar menu infused with oriental elements.

Served alongside a traditional buffet, the experience balances elegance and familiarity, appealing to guests seeking a quieter, more personalized way to break their fast.

Price: Available upon request

Obaya Lounge, Four Seasons Riyadh

Obaya Lounge introduces a Ramadan High Tea experience for guests seeking a lighter, social way to gather in the evenings. Two curated options, Half Moon and Full Moon, feature sweet and savory selections in a relaxed yet festive setting.

Half Moon High Tea: SR190

Full Moon High Tea: SR365

NOMAS, Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter

NOMAS approaches Ramadan through thoughtful reinterpretations of traditional flavors. Guests can choose from four curated iftar menus, ranging from classic home-style dishes to an expansive VIP experience showcasing the breadth of Saudi cuisine.

After iftar, the restaurant transitions into a refined a la carte sahoor offering, ideal for extended family gatherings.

Iftar menus start from SR300.

Cucina, Riyadh Marriott Hotel

Cucina brings an Italian perspective to Ramadan dining with a structured iftar set menu followed by relaxed late-night a la carte service.

The experience begins with comforting soups and classic appetizers, moves through signature pizzas and pasta, and concludes with slow-braised ossobuco and Italian desserts featuring subtle Ramadan-inspired touches. The iftar set menu is SR195.

Aloft Dhahran

Aloft Hotel Dhahran offers a casual Ramadan iftar buffet experience featuring a wide variety of delectable dishes and a live cooking station, a salad bar and an array of desserts and fruits.

Iftar is priced at SR89 per adult and at SR45 per child (ages 6‑12). Buffet service begins 30 minutes before Maghrib prayer.

Corp Khobar Corniche Hotel

Located along Khobar’s Corniche, the Sea View Restaurant at Corp Corniche Hotel offers a scenic Ramadan iftar buffet with soup options, fresh salads, appetizers, a variety of Ramadan main dishes and desserts as well as beverages.

From Feb. 18‑28, iftar is between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., priced at SR115 per adult, then SR129 per adult from March 1 until the end of Ramadan.

For late‑night gatherings, the sahoor buffet is served from 11:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. with a selection of hot and cold dishes, priced at SR69 per adult.

Holiday Inn & Suites Khobar

Holiday Inn & Suites Khobar offers a Ramadan iftar buffet with a wide range of dishes, desserts and live cooking stations.

Ideal for families and larger groups, iftar is priced at approximately SR115‑180 per person.

For late‑night gatherings, the sahoor buffet is available with traditional and international options, priced between SR60‑90 per person.

Golden Tulip Khobar

Golden Tulip Khobar offers an affordable buffet experience, priced between SR79 and SR172 per person.

For late‑night gatherings, the sahoor buffet with hot and cold dishes is priced at approximately SR42‑75 per person.

InterContinental Alkhobar

Situated near the Khobar waterfront, InterContinental offers a premium Ramadan iftar buffet with Middle Eastern specialties and international cuisine.

The offering focuses on a broad buffet spread suitable for family and corporate gatherings. Iftar is priced between SR199 and SR255 per person.

Dammam Palace Hotel

Located in Dammam’s city center, Dammam Palace Hotel offers an accessible buffet, priced at SR79 per person.

For late‑night gatherings, the sahoor buffet features Eastern and international options with Ramadan drinks, priced at SR39 per person.